With rituals completed, fourteen Rotarians sat down to lunch on sliced pork, roasted potatoes, squash, salad and cookies. John was first on his feet with a Happy Dollar in celebration of a repaired stripe painting machine and work beginning on the crosswalk in front of the Opera House (Thanks George!). Nicole gave an update on the New Year’s Eve event at Moruzzi’s. It will include 50/50 blackjack, a costume contest and a trivia hour. Tickets at $150 admitting two persons will be available at the end of the week. George gave a Happy Dollar as he announced that music he has written over the years will be performed at the Opera House sometime in November. He gave another for the painting of crosswalks and a Sad Dollar because the bell was rung as he was arriving. Caroline reported that fourth graders visited the Summer Street mural on a walking field trip to learn about Vermont and Barre. Joe gave several Happy Dollars: a Lebanese cultural event that will take place on October 19^th; being a member of Barre Rotary for one year; not being here next week; and celebrating his 67^th birthday on October 26^th. Claire gave a Happy Dollar stating that she has finally adjusted to retirement.

 

 

Bruce reported that this month Sandy Rousse celebrates seven years as a member and Joe Shadroui celebrates one year.

 

On this day in history:

 

      In 1936 the Hoover Dam began to transmit electricity to Los Angeles.

      In 1946 The Ice Man Cometh opened on Broadway.

 

 

From her perch as Assistant Governor, Caroline announced that district training will take place on November 16^th in Lyndonville.  Included will be Rotary Foundation training and a presentation on membership models. She also reminded us of the upcoming speech contest. We need a person to act as a liaison with Spaulding High School. Let President Eddie know if you are interested.

 

 

President Eddie introduced Mayor Lucas Herring.

 

Mayor Herring began his presentation by passing out flyers announcing the Granite City 5K Run/Walk on November 2, 2019 to benefit The Veteran’s Place. He then announced that he has issued a proclamation declaring November 30^th as Small Business Saturday. He encouraged all of us to shop local and support small businesses. He reported that VTrans will be moving into Barre City Place. While the members of the Agency of Education will be leaving Barre, the net increase in number of Vermont State employees will be one hundred. Businesses are moving around, such as Forget Me Not Flowers and Gifts and CW Print +Design. Businesses such as Vermont Salumi are a welcome addition to downtown Barre, increasing the number of employees in the City. He also mentioned meetings as a way of increasing the sidewalk traffic in Barre, including those people dinning and shopping in Barre. Asked about hotel construction, he explained how sides of the street have changed the eligibility for tax credits. Opportunities for possible sites, funding and tax credits are being explored. Asked about a needs assessment of community needs/wants, he reported that Capstone and Central Vermont Medical Center have conducted and presented the results to the City Council. An assessment by the Vermont Land Trust will be conducted with small groups in which community needs will be expressed and discussed. Responding to a question about parking, he said talks are in the works to implement a plan to install an app on your cell phone which will allow you to park and pay at the appropriate meter. In appreciation for his informative talk, Barre Rotarians gave Mayor Herring a warm round of applause.